CHRISTY DIGNAM, THE lead singer of Aslan, has died aged 63.
In a statement on Facebook, Christy’s daughter, the singer Kiera Dignam said:
“On behalf of my family, it is with a broken heart that we convey the news of my father’s passing, Christy Dignam.
“Dad peacefully left us where he wanted to, at home today 4pm Tuesday, June 13th 2023, after a courageously long-fought battle, surrounded by his family.
“We ask that you honour our family’s need for privacy during this immensely painful period.
“Let us all hold him in our hearts and cherish the remarkable life of a talented singer, great story teller and amazing person.
“We thank you so much for your love and support shown to us.
“Kathryn, Kiera, Darren, Cian, Ava, Jake and our extended family x.”
In 2013, Dignam was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, an incurable blood disorder, and blood cancer multiple myeloma. He has undergone extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, since then.
He had been receiving palliative care at home since December following six months of treatment at Beaumont Hospital.
Aslan has said in a statement: “We are beyond devastated to have lost not just our band member, but our friend, Christy, that we have had so many years of sharing our lives with. The band and Christy’s family, ask you to respect their privacy at this time”.
President Michael D. Higgins has paid tribute to Dignam, and spoke of the “great sadness” the nation will be feeling on hearing the news of his death.
“For the last 40 years, Christy and his bandmates in Aslan have made an enormous contribution to the cultural life of our nation. In addition to their well-loved albums and hit singles such as ‘This Is’ and ‘Crazy World’, Aslan will be remembered in particular for their live shows and their remarkable connection with their audience.
”Christy was central to that connection, with his passionate performances ensuring a memorable night every time Aslan played – and there were many nights, with Christy and the band showing an endless dedication to touring throughout the country.
“As a result, people in nearly every town in Ireland will have their own memories of seeing them play and will feel like they had a personal connection with Christy. Indeed, I will personally remember a typically memorable performance from Christy in Áras an Uachtaráin in 2016.
“Over recent years, all of us have been struck by the dignity with which Christy lived with his illness and admired his dedication in continuing to both perform and record, including his 2021 solo album, despite the challenges which he faced.
“It is hard to believe that he has left us,” he said.
Higgins also expressed his deep condolences towards Christy’s wife Kathryn, his daughter Kiera, his Aslan bandmates and his family and friends.
Dignam grew up in Finglas in north Dublin. In 1982, he formed the rock band Aslan alongside Alan Downey, Joe Jewell and Billy McGuinness, as well as Tony McGuinness, the band’s former bassist.
Aslan became one of the most popular bands on the Irish music scene after they released their first album Feel No Shame in 1988.
The album – and in particular the track ‘This Is’ – showcased the band’s unique sound and Dignam’s powerful vocals.
Dignam struggled with a heroin addiction in the 1980s, which caused conflicts within the band.
Aslan singer Christy Dignam - famous for songs including Crazy World and This Is - has died at the age of 63 following a long illness | Read more: https://t.co/uIo2HJA1wX pic.twitter.com/HHZDRG2fUr
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) June 13, 2023
In 1988, he was kicked out of Aslan after his addiction became unmanageable for the rest of the group.
Aslan subsequently split up, before reforming for a benefit gig in Finglas in 1993. The band wrote some new material for the show, and the gig went so well that they got back together.
In 1994, Aslan’s most well-known album Goodbye Charlie Moonhead was released. Its standout single – ‘Crazy World’ – went on to join This Is as one of the iconic tracks of Irish rock music.
We’re devastated to hear the news about our friend and hero, Christy Dignam 😔 We were blessed to share the stage with @OfficialAslan Christy in Dublin. We’ve lost a Legend, one of a kind, our thoughts and prayers are with his family RIP Christy 🙏 Danny & Glen.…
— the script (@thescript) June 13, 2023
Aslan had been due to perform several gigs last year as part of its ’40 years 40 gigs’ tour, marking the band’s 40th anniversary, but were unable to go ahead with the performances due to Dignam’s ill-health.
In an interview with The Journal in 2018, Dignam spoke about of his pride at having played all over Ireland, and linked this willingness to play to all crowds at all venues to the band’s continued success.
“We’ve done GAA clubs in every corner of the country, you know? And every little village and every little town all over the country. And I think people appreciate the fact that you’ll go down Ballaghaderreen, or Ballybunion or wherever – Connemara or Donegal.
“Because you go to these little towns people appreciate it. So then when we’re doing gigs like the Iveagh Gardens people come up to those gigs, because I think they appreciate the fact that you’ve come down to their small town.”
Dignam also spoke to The Journal about his cancer diagnosis, and how it had changed his perspective on life.
“There’s nothing is going to focus you more than a terminal illness.
“When I got diagnosed, you kinda start looking at what’s important in your life. The car you’re driving is no longer important or the house you live in is not important. Even how successful your band is isn’t all that important.
“Your whole priority shifts. To me, family became very important to me. And now I’ve got three grandkids so that was very important for me to see as much of their lives as I could and be around for their lives.”
He is survived by his wife Kathryn, his daughter Kiera and his three grandchildren.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “It’s very very sad news that we’ve had in the last hour, I think Christie was a legend of Irish music and a great Dubliner as well, somebody who’s loss will be very sorely felt in his hometown, but also also in the wider music community. So I’m really sorry to hear that news today and want to pass on my condolences to his family”.
Tánaiste Micháel Martin said he was deeply saddened to hear of Christy’s death.
“A true legend of Irish music, Christy has left a rich legacy. His great talent brought much joy to the Irish people. His brave and dignified battle with cancer inspired many,” he said.
Minister for Arts Catherine Martin said her thoughts were with Christy’s family, bandmates, friends, and fans “on this sad day”.
“His strength, character, and talent will always be remembered every time we hear his iconic singing voice. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” she said on Twitter.
Actor Rory Cowan said: “My heart is very heavy. My old pal Christy Dignam has died. God love him. We lost a fabulous Dubliner today.”
Social Democrats TD Róisín Shortall also paid tribute to Christy, saying that he “stayed true to his Finglas roots and was much loved and respected by people of the area”.
“Apart from being an Irish music icon, Christy will be remembered for his honesty when talking about his personal struggles and the bravery with which he faced his cancer diagnosis,” she said.
“His loss will be deeply felt by anyone who knew him or those who were touched by his unique musical talent.”
Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin described Christy as “our true Northside voice” in a tweet, adding: “He was magic. What a loss.”
- With reporting by Daragh Brophy
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